By Peter Kuol Kuch
Jonglei state, on Tuesday, launched mental health and psychosocial support training program for government teachers and school governing bodies.
The training by National Ministry of General Education, in collaboration with Jonglei State Education Ministry, brought together over 20 members of Parents and Teachers Association (PTA), School Management Committee (SMC), and Board of Governors (BOGs) from various government primary schools.
According to a consultant from UNESCO, the training aims to create a safe, resilient, and conducive learning environment for children.
“It is your responsibility as parents, teachers, and school management committee members to create positive changes in your schools. For schools to be effective, it requires the collective effort of everyone involved,” said Saluwen Sanya, the UNESCO consultant speaking during the training.
Mr. Sanya emphasized that the training also focuses on fostering peace-building efforts between teachers and students through the PTAs and SMCs.
“By understanding your roles and duties, you can significantly contribute to bringing peace and creating a conducive learning environment. It is the Ministry’s policy to establish a supportive learning space in schools,” he added.
Ms. Aluel Ayuen, one of the participants, noted that the PTA, SMC, and BOGs serve as vital connections between the community and schools, promoting an effective learning environment for children.
“As a PTA member at my school, I work diligently to bridge the gap between the school and the community. For instance, during school breaks, I coordinate with community members on how to manage water access for children,” she explained.
Mr. Sanya also pointed out that the civil wars affecting many African countries have negatively impacted education systems, including that of South Sudan. He urged participants to actively fulfill their roles and responsibilities to ensure the effective and smooth operation of schools in the country.
“We are providing additional training on the roles and responsibilities of PTAs, SMCs, and BOGs to enhance their knowledge in managing schools and learning processes. It is essential to implement these practices to create significant changes in the school environment,” he stated.
This three-day training program is supported by UNESCO, with funding from the Government of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Similar training sessions will be conducted across five states of South Sudan, including Jonglei State, Lakes State, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria, and Central Equatoria.